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Vision for 2030
We have come a long way in four years - continued academic growth, investing in a talented workforce, improving our learning spaces, and partnering with our community, but there is still work to be done. Kristin's vision for the next four years aligns with the new SCS strategic plan to make Staunton City Schools a safe and inclusive place to learn, work and grow.
Student Opportunities and Academic Excellence
Academics are the reason our students are here, but not all students learn the same or have the same post-high school goals. Kristin's vision includes:
Maintaining our trajectory of increased academic performance. We will not always continue to climb up the ranks in SOL scores, but the goal is to maintain the successes we have made and continue to look for ways to improve.
Continuing to work to improve our on-time graduation rates with the goal being 100 percent of all students graduating on time.
Creating career pathways for all students. Every middle school student should have an idea of a preferred career so that they are able to follow developed pathways for success upon graduation.
Reducing barriers to entry into higher level academic programs for all interested students with an emphasis on diversifying the enrollment of Governor School, Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes.
Looking for continued opportunities to create and partner with organizations to improve our CTE offerings for all interested students.
Creating opportunities for students to have a voice in their own education.
A Valued, Diverse, and Empowered Workforce
Our staff are our greatest investment, and they deserve to be treated as the professionals they are. Retention and recruitment of excellent and diverse staff remains a key component of Kristin's vision for the next four years as well as:
Continuing to make staff salaries a number one budget priority.
Teachers and staff having a seat at the table for decision- making. Gathering staff input for calendar creation is a start, but allowing staff to have input in more division-wide initiatives helps to foster a sense of collaboration and investment.
Reducing the mandatory workload of staff when able - divison-wide initiatives should only be implemented when other work is removed.
Continue and expand the "grow your own" program to identify excellent candidates and reduce the barrier to entry of the teaching profession. "Grown your own" programs are also a proven way to improve the diversity of our workforce.
Create an internal pipeline for advancement. Many of our staff have a desire to advance internally, but do not see opportunities within our division. Creating specific pathways for advancement will help to retain our own excellent staff and create a pipeline of qualified candidates once openings present.
Strong Community Partnerships
Our Staunton community is special and so are our schools. Recent projects such as the outdoor classroom built at SHS by the Rotary Club make this clear. Mutual investment will benefit both, and possibly help to reduce the brain drain that occurs when graduates move away and do not return. Kristin's vision is for Staunton City Schools to:
Continue partnering with On the Road Collaborative or another community based program that encompasses after school activites, mentorship, and career development.
Expand our current club, sports, and after school offerings.
Identify internship opportunities that would benfit both Staunton students and our community partners.
Identify community programs that have not previously partnered with Staunton City Schools to determine possible collaboration opportunities.
Continue partnerships with already established community groups and find opportunities to promote and enhance those partnerships.
Creating continued opportunities for parents and guardians to collaborate and invest in the success of our students and schools.
Safe, Inclusive and Modern Schools
Everyone learns and works best in a clean, bright environment that is safe and free of distractions. Kristin's vision for our learning spaces is:
Modern buildings throughout the division that are spacious, bright, and conducive to learning. Students learn best when they feel invested in and cared for.
Ensuring that our school buildings offer the best chance for student success by providing room for break-out learning spaces, performance spaces, and appropriate classroom space.
Investing in the community by offering modern facilities that are accessible and available to our neighbors and community partners.
Expanding our Kindness Matters initiative to include anti-bullying and social-emotional learning initiatives.
Investment in further mental health resources to address the changing needs of our students and staff members.
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